Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
878Resource Type:
Keys included:
Eb
About this Hymn
This magnificent hymn by John Newton opens by quoting Psalm 87:3, and it was inspired in large part by Isaiah 33:20–21, which asks readers to "Behold Zion"—not the hill in Jerusalem where the temple once stood, but the heavenly Jerusalem, "where no ship with oars can go," featuring streams with living waters.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God. He whose word cannot be broken formed thee for his own abode. On the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake thy sure repose? With salvation's walls surrounded, thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
Verse 2
See, the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love, well supply thy sons and daughters and all fear of want remove. Who can faint while such a river ever flows their thirst t'assuage? Grace, which like the Lord, the Giver, never fails from age to age.
Verse 3
Round each habitation hov'ring, see the cloud and fire appear for a glory and a cov'ring, showing that the Lord is near. Thus deriving from their banner light by night and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna which he gives them when they pray.
Verse 4
Savior, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am, let the world deride or pity, I will glory in thy name. Fading is the worldling's pleasure, all his boasted pomp and show; solid joys and lasting treasures none but Zion's children know.
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God. He whose word cannot be broken formed thee for his own abode. On the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake thy sure repose? With salvation's walls surrounded, thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
Verse 2
See, the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love, well supply thy sons and daughters and all fear of want remove. Who can faint while such a river ever flows their thirst t'assuage? Grace, which like the Lord, the Giver, never fails from age to age.
Verse 3
Round each habitation hov'ring, see the cloud and fire appear for a glory and a cov'ring, showing that the Lord is near. Thus deriving from their banner light by night and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna which he gives them when they pray.
Verse 4
Savior, if of Zion's city I through grace a member am, let the world deride or pity, I will glory in thy name. Fading is the worldling's pleasure, all his boasted pomp and show; solid joys and lasting treasures none but Zion's children know.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: John Newton, 1775
Music: Joseph Haydn, 1797
Music: Joseph Haydn, 1797